Abstract:

An image display element includes: a front panel; a back panel opposite
thereto; a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix between both the
panels; and plural electrodes for controlling the pixels. Both the panels
are bonded together with the pixels and the electrodes interposed
therebetween, and the electrodes are connected to a driving circuit via
metal film wires. Division is performed so as to expose electrode
terminals, and a groove part V-shaped in cross section is formed at the
divided portion. The metal film wires are formed on the surface of the
top of the back panel, and the electrode terminals and the metal film
wires are connected by a conductive paste coated along the tilt surfaces
forming the groove part.

Claims:

1. An image display element, comprising:a front panel; a back panel
opposite to the front panel; a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix
between the front panel and the back panel, and to be selected to be in a
display or non-display state; and a plurality of electrodes for
controlling the pixels, the front panel and the back panel being bonded
together with the pixels and the electrodes interposed therebetween, and
the electrodes being connected to a driving circuit via metal film wires,
whereinthe back panel is divided such that electrode terminals connected
to the electrodes are exposed between adjacent plural pixel lines, and a
groove part having a shape wider at the top on the back side of the
opposing surface from the front panel than at the bottom is formed at the
divided portion, andthe metal film wires are formed on the back side
surface of the surface of the back panel opposite to the front panel,
andthe electrode terminals and the metal film wires are connected by a
conductive paste coated along a tilt surface forming the groove part.

2. The image display element according to claim 1, wherein the surface of
the tilt surface of the groove part to be coated with the conductive
paste has been roughly treated.

3. The image display element according to claim 1, wherein a resin
material is coated between the adjacent conductive pastes to provide
partitions.

4. The image display element according to claim 1, wherein each of the
conductive pastes comprises a plurality of conductive paste lines.

5. The image display element according to claim 2, wherein each of the
conductive pastes comprises a plurality of conductive paste lines.

6. The image display element according to claim 3, wherein each of the
conductive pastes comprises a plurality of conductive paste lines.

7. The image display element according to claim 1, wherein the conductive
pastes are alternately formed at the two tilt surfaces forming the groove
part.

8. The image display element according to claim 1, wherein a region in
which the conductive pastes, the electrode terminals and the metal film
wires connected to the conductive pastes are formed is applied with
protective coating.

9. The image display element according to claim 2, wherein a region in
which the conductive pastes, the electrode terminals and the metal film
wires connected to the conductive pastes are formed is applied with
protective coating.

10. The image display element according to claim 3, wherein a region in
which the conductive pastes, the electrode terminals and the metal film
wires connected to the conductive pastes are formed is applied with
protective coating.

11. The image display element according to claim 1, wherein for the
protective coating, a curable adhesive is used, and the groove part is
filled with the curable adhesive.

12. The image display element according to claim 2, wherein for the
protective coating, a curable adhesive is used, and the groove part is
filled with the curable adhesive.

13. The image display element according to claim 3, wherein for the
protective coating, a curable adhesive is used, and the groove part is
filled with the curable adhesive.

14. A method for manufacturing an image display element,the image display
element, comprising: a front panel; a back panel opposite to the front
panel; a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix between the front panel
and the back panel, and to be selected to be in a display or non-display
state; and a plurality of electrodes for controlling the pixels, the
front panel and the back panel being bonded together with the pixels and
the electrodes interposed therebetween, and the electrodes being
connected to a driving circuit via metal film wires,the method,
comprising:a first step of dividing the back panel such that electrode
terminals connected to the electrodes are exposed between adjacent plural
pixel lines, and forming a groove part having a shape wider at the top on
the back side of the opposing surface from the front panel than at the
bottom at the divided portion;a second step of forming the metal film
wires on the back side surface of the surface of the back panel opposite
to the front panel, anda third step of connecting the electrode terminals
and the metal film wires by a conductive paste coated along a tilt
surface forming the groove part.

15. The method for manufacturing an image display element according to
claim 14, wherein the surface of the tilt surface of the groove part to
be coated with the conductive paste is roughly treated.

16. The method for manufacturing an image display element according to
claim 14, wherein a resin material is coated between the adjacent
conductive pastes to provide partitions.

17. The method for manufacturing an image display element according to
claim 14, wherein each of the conductive pastes comprises a plurality of
conductive paste lines.

18. The method for manufacturing an image display element according to
claim 14, wherein the conductive pastes are alternately formed at the two
tilt surfaces forming the groove part.

19. The method for manufacturing an image display element according to
claim 14, wherein a region in which the conductive pastes, the electrode
terminals and the metal film wires connected to the conductive pastes are
formed is applied with protective coating.

20. The method for manufacturing an image display element according to
claim 14, wherein for the protective coating, a curable adhesive is used,
and the groove part is filled with the curable adhesive.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]1. Field of the Invention

[0002]The present invention relates to a large size image display device
including, for example, a large number of liquid crystal display (LCD)
panels, plasma display panels (PDP), or electroluminescent (EL) display
panels, arranged therein. More particularly, it relates to an image
display element forming the device and a manufacturing method thereof.

[0003]2. Background Art

[0004]For a large size image display device (which is also referred to as
a large size display), in order to implement high performances at a low
cost, there has been adopted the system in which a plurality of flat
panel displays (e.g., LCD panels, PDPs, or EL display panels) as image
display elements (or, display units) are arranged in a matrix.

[0005]One example of a conventional image display element forming such a
large size display is shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B.

[0006]FIGS. 13A and 13B are views showing a part of the array (2-sheet
array) of the image display elements. FIG. 13A is a front view, and FIG.
13B is a side view.

[0007]An image display element 30 has a front panel 31 and a back panel 32
formed of a glass plate or the like. The front panel 31 and the back
panel 32 are opposed each other with a prescribed distance therebetween,
between which a plurality of pixels 33, and a plurality of electrodes
(not shown) for controlling them are arranged to form a light emitting
layer (or a liquid crystal layer). Thus, the periphery thereof is sealed
with a seal part 34 with a seal width g1.

[0008]When a lead line for applying a voltage to the electrode is led out
from the periphery of the image display element 30, namely, a joint part
35 of the adjacent image display elements 30, the lead-out margin is
necessary. When a spacing Ga between the pixels 33 of the adjacent image
display elements 30 at the joint part 35 is larger than a spacing Gb
between pixels in the same image display element, the joint part 35
becomes noticeable.

[0009]Thus, as shown in an enlarged view of FIG. 13B, the back panel 32 is
divided into two parts, and a gap part 36 is provided at the central
part. A terminal 37 corresponding to the electrode is included at the gap
part (which is also simply referred to as a gap) 36. An electrode pin or
a lead line 38 as shown is connected to the terminal 37, to be led
outside the back panel (see, e.g., JP-A-2001-251571).

[0010]With the conventional image display element shown in
JP-A-2001-251571, the lead line 38 of the electrode is led out from the
gap part 36 formed in the back panel 32. Therefore, this configuration is
effective as the structure for making the joint parts 35 of the image
display elements 30 less noticeable. However, it is configured such that
the lead lines 38 are connected to a large number of terminals 37 present
in the narrow gap part 36, thereby to be connected to a wiring layer. For
this reason, connection with the terminals 37 becomes complicated, and
further, unfavorably, the lead-out method is complicated, and the
workability is bad.

[0011]A conventional image display element shown in JP-A-2008-191502 is
provided in order to solve such a problem.

[0012]FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the image
display element shown in JP-A-2008-191502. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of
an essential part of FIG. 14.

[0013]Below, the conventional image display element shown in
JP-A-2008-191502 will be described.

[0014]A large number of the image display elements are arranged in a
matrix to form a large screen flat panel display.

[0015]Examples of the display device of the image display element include
a LCD panel, a PDP, and an EL display panel. Incidentally, the figure
shows the image display element as seen from the back thereof.

[0016]As shown in FIG. 14, the image display element includes a front
panel 21 formed of a glass plate or the like, a back panel 22 similarly
formed of a glass plate or the like, and opposed to the front panel 21, a
plurality of pixels (not shown) arranged in a matrix between both the
panels, and to be selected to be in a display or non-display state, and a
plurality of electrodes (not shown) for controlling the pixels. Both the
panels 21 and 22 are bonded with each other with the pixels and the
electrodes interposed therebetween.

[0017]The back panel 22 is divided between two adjacent pixel lines, and a
gap 23 is formed at the divided portion. In the figure, the gap 23 is
shown on an enlarged scale for easy understanding, but an actual gap 23
is a minute gap with, for example, a width of about 0.30 mm.

[0018]Further, the pixels are arranged in a matrix. Thus, when a reference
is made to "between pixels", there are "between transverse pixel rows"
and "between longitudinal pixel columns". However, both inclusive are
referred to as "between two adjacent pixel lines".

[0019]Incidentally, as the back panel 22, the one divided into two parts
at the central part is shown. However, the number of divisions and the
position for division are not limited thereto. The back panel 22 may be
divided into three or more parts, and the position for division may also
be another position so long as it is between adjacent pixels.

[0020]On the front panel 21 side situated at the gap 23, a plurality of
electrode terminals 24 connected to the electrodes are disposed. The
electrode terminals 24 are formed of, for example, the same material as
that for the electrodes simultaneously, and are exposed from the gap.

[0021]On the other hand, on a back surface 22a of the back panel 22 (the
back side of the opposing surface from the front panel is referred to as
"back surface"), and on an end face 22b which is the end part of the gap
23, metal film wires 25 are formed.

[0022]The metal film wires 25 are formed by, for example, thick film
printing. To the end parts of the metal film wires 25 on the back surface
22a side, a connector 26 is connected. The metal film wires 25 are
connected to an external driving circuit via the connector 26.

[0023]The details of the wiring part are shown in FIG. 15. As shown in the
figure, the wiring part is formed by aligning the electrode terminals 24
and the metal film wires 25 such that the metal film wires 25 on the end
part 22b of the back panel 22 are in vertical contact with the electrode
terminals 24 on the front panel 21 side with the back panel 22 bonded on
the front panel 21. Then, solder 27 is coated on the contact portion with
the both panels 21 and 22 being bonded together. Both the panels are
locally heated to melt the solder 27 for bonding.

[0024]Whereas, FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the electrode
connection part when the electrode terminals 24 have been led out from
the peripheral end part of the front panel 21.

[0025]The following configuration is shown. The back panel 22 is
configured to be slightly smaller than the front panel 21. Thus, upon
superposition of both the panels, a step part 21a is formed at the end
part, so that the electrode terminals 24 are exposed at the step part
21a. Thus, the electrode terminals 24 and the metal film wires 25 formed
at the end part 22b of the back panel 22 come in contact with each other,
and are bonded by soldering.

[0026]As described up to this point, the image display element shown in
JP-A-2008-191502 includes: the front panel 21; the back panel 22 opposite
to the front panel 21; a plurality of pixels (not shown) arranged in a
matrix between both the panels, and to be selected to be in a display or
non-display state; and a plurality of electrodes for controlling the
pixels, wherein both the panels are bonded together with the pixels and
the electrodes interposed therebetween. In such an image display element,
the metal film wires 25 are formed on the back surface and the end face
(surface of the end part 22b) of the back panel 22. The electrode
terminals 24 corresponding to the metal film wires 25 formed on the end
face of the back panel 22, and connected to the electrodes are disposed
on the front panel 21 side. Thus, the metal film wires 25 formed on the
end face 22b and the electrode terminals 24 are bonded together by
soldering.

[0027]Therefore, as compared with the image display element shown in
JP-A-2001-251571, leading out of electrodes is possible with a simple
method from a narrow space without using an electrode lead line. This
cancels the expansion of the joint width between the image display
elements. When the image display elements are arrayed to form a large
screen, the image quality is improved by joint shrinkage. Further,
leading out of electrode lines is simplified, resulting in a reduction of
the cost.

[0028]With the conventional image display element shown in
JP-A-2008-191502, as shown in FIG. 14, the electrode terminals 24 and the
metal film wires 25 are connected by direct soldering. This enables the
electrodes to be led out from the gap (gap/groove part) 23 formed in the
back panel 22.

[0029]However, this configuration is effective as the structure for making
the joint parts of the image display elements less noticeable, but, at
the groove part (gap part) in the vicinity of the terminal part occurring
according to the thickness of the back panel 22, the processing tools
(tools for soldering such as heads and needles) are still less likely to
reach the soldering part (i.e., the contact part between the electrode
terminal 24 and the metal film wire 25) situated at the recesses of the
gap (groove part/gap).

[0030]Particularly, a display device decreases in pixel pitch with an
increase in resolution. Thus, it is also necessary to narrow the width of
the gap part for carrying out lead-out of electrodes according to the
decrease in pixel pitch. Accordingly, electrode lead-out processing
becomes further difficult.

[0031]Therefore, the connection reliability between the electrode
terminals 24 and the metal film wires 25 by soldering becomes a problem.

[0032]Further, solder 27 for connecting the electrode terminals 24 and the
metal film wires 25 is disposed with a fine interval. For this reason,
migration tends to occur between the adjacent electrode terminals,
between metal film wires, or between solders, which leads to a problem in
the insulation property of the electrode lead-out part.

[0033]Further, with the conventional image display element shown in FIG.
16, it is possible to lead out electrodes from the peripheral end part of
the panel with ease. However, a problem is encountered in the panel shape
in the vicinity of the terminal part for disposing the electrode lead
line thereon, so that lead-out processing of electrodes becomes
difficult.

[0034]Examples of the processing method include soldering, wire bonding,
and connection by a conductive paste or the like. However, at the step
part in the vicinity of the terminal part occurring according to the
thickness of the back panel 22, processing tools (such as a head) become
less likely to reach the connection part situated at the recesses of the
step part.

[0035]Further, with the conventional image display element, the back panel
22 is divided by the gap part 23. This also causes a problem that the
strength is reduced upon concentration of a stress to this portion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0036]This invention has been made in order to solve the foregoing
problem. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image
display element capable of readily undergoing electrode lead-out
processing by configuring the panel shape in the vicinity of the terminal
part of the image display element in a structure suitable for use of
processing tools (i.e., a head of a soldering iron, a needle for
conductive paste injection, and the like) necessary for electrode
lead-out processing, and further capable of inhibiting the occurrence of
migration at the electrode lead-out part (connection part between the
electrode terminal and the metal film wire), and a manufacturing method
of the image display element.

[0037]In accordance with an aspect of this invention, an image display
element includes: a front panel; a back panel opposite to the front
panel; a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix between the front panel
and the back panel, and to be selected to be in a display or non-display
state; and a plurality of electrodes for controlling the pixels. Both the
panels are bonded together with the pixels and the electrodes interposed
therebetween, and the electrodes are connected to a driving circuit via
metal film wires.

[0038]In such an image display element, the back panel is divided such
that electrode terminals connected to the electrodes are exposed between
adjacent plural pixel lines, and a groove part having a shape wider at
the top on the back side of the opposing surface from the front panel
than at the bottom is formed at the divided portion. The metal film wires
are formed on the back side surface of the surface of the back panel
opposite to the front panel, and the electrode terminals and the metal
film wires are connected by a conductive paste coated along a tilt
surface forming the groove part.

[0039]Further, another aspect of the invention provides a method for
manufacturing an image display element including: a front panel; a back
panel opposite to the front panel; a plurality of pixels arranged in a
matrix between both the panels, and to be selected to be in a display or
non-display state; and a plurality of electrodes for controlling the
pixels, both the panels being bonded together with the pixels and the
electrodes interposed therebetween, and the electrodes being connected to
a driving circuit via metal film wires.

[0040]The method, includes: a first step of dividing the back panel such
that electrode terminals connected to the electrodes are exposed between
adjacent plural pixel lines, and forming a groove part having a shape
wider at the top on the back side of the opposing surface from the front
panel than at the bottom at the divided portion; a second step of forming
the metal film wires on the back side surface of the surface of the back
panel opposite to the front panel, and a third step of connecting the
electrode terminals and the metal film wires by a conductive paste coated
along a tilt surface forming the groove part.

[0041]In accordance with the invention, it is possible to perform lead-out
processing of electrodes with ease, and it is possible to implement an
image display element capable of inhibiting the occurrence of migration
at the electrode lead-out part (connection part between the electrode
terminal and the metal film line), and a manufacturing method thereof.

[0042]The foregoing and other object, features, aspects, and advantages of
the present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043]FIG. 1 is a perspective view for illustrating the basic
configuration of an image display element in accordance with Embodiment 1
of the present invention;

[0044]FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an essential part of
FIG. 1;

[0045]FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which the width of a groove part
is smaller than the width dimension of a tool;

[0046]FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which the groove part is in a V
shape;

[0047]FIG. 5 is a conceptual view for illustrating a characteristic
structure of the image display element in accordance with Embodiment 1;

[0048]FIG. 6 is a view showing the center lead-out system of electrodes;

[0049]FIG. 7 is a view showing the end lead-out system of electrodes;

[0050]FIG. 8 is a conceptual view for illustrating a characteristic
structure of an image display element in accordance with Embodiment 2;

[0051]FIG. 9 is a conceptual view for illustrating a characteristic
structure of an image display element in accordance with Embodiment 3;

[0052]FIG. 10 is a conceptual view for illustrating a characteristic
structure of an image display element in accordance with Embodiment 4;

[0053]FIG. 11 is a conceptual view for illustrating a characteristic
structure of an image display element in accordance with Embodiment 5;

[0054]FIG. 12 is a conceptual view for illustrating a characteristic
structure of an image display element in accordance with Embodiment 6;

[0055]FIGS. 13A and 13B are views each showing a structure of a
conventional image display element shown in JP-A-2001-251571;

[0056]FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a structure of a conventional
image display element shown in JP-A-2008-191502;

[0057]FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of an essential part of FIG. 14; and

[0058]FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an electrode connection part
when an electrode terminal has been led out from the peripheral end part
of a front panel in the image display element shown in JP-A-2008-191502.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059]Below, embodiments of the present invention will be described by
reference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiment 1

[0060]FIG. 1 is a perspective view for illustrating the basic
configuration of an image display element in accordance with Embodiment 1
of this invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an
essential part of FIG. 1.

[0061]A large number of the image display elements are arranged in a
matrix, thereby to form a large-size flat-panel display.

[0062]As the display devices of the image display elements, for example,
LCD panels, PDPs, and EL display panels are used.

[0063]As shown in FIG. 1, the image display element includes a front panel
1 formed of a glass plate or the like, a back panel 2 similarly formed of
a glass plate or the like, and opposed to the front panel 1, a plurality
of pixels (not shown) arranged in a matrix between the front panel 1 and
the back panel 2, and to be selected to be in a display or non-display
state, and a plurality of electrodes (not shown) for controlling the
pixels. The front panel 1 and the back panel 2 are bonded with each other
with the pixels and the electrodes interposed therebetween.

[0064]The back panel 2 is divided in such a manner as to form a groove
part 3 having a V shape by cutting using a dicing blade (dicing), or the
like between the adjacent plural pixel lines.

[0065]Incidentally, in the figure, the groove part 3 is shown on an
enlarged scale for easy understanding, but in actuality, the groove part
3 is a minute gap.

[0066]Further, the pixels are arranged in a matrix. Thus, when a reference
is made to "between pixels", there are "between transverse pixel rows"
and "between longitudinal pixel columns". However, both inclusive are
referred to as "between two adjacent pixel lines".

[0067]Then, on the front panel 1 side situated at the groove part 3, a
plurality of electrode terminals 4 connected to the electrodes are
arranged. The electrode terminals 4 are formed of, for example, the same
material as that for the electrodes simultaneously, and are exposed at
the groove part 3.

[0068]On the other hand, on a back surface 2a of the back panel 2 (the
back side of the opposing surface from the front panel) is referred to as
"back surface". (the same applies hereinafter)

[0069]On an end face (tilt surface) 2b of the back panel 2 forming the
groove part 3, metal (e.g., Ag) film wires 5 are formed. To the end parts
of the metal film wires 5 on the back surface 2a side, a connector 6 is
connected.

[0070]The metal film wires 5 are connected to an external driving circuit
via the connector 6.

[0071]Incidentally, the materials for the metal film wires 5 are not
limited to Ag, and common wiring materials may be used. Whereas, the
wiring method of the metal film wires 5 also has no particular
restriction, and, other wiring structures such as FPC may be included
between the metal film wires 5 and the connector 6.

[0072]The details of the wiring part are shown in FIG. 2. As shown in the
figure, the wiring part is formed by aligning the electrode terminals 4
and the metal film wires 5 such that the metal film wires 5 on the tilt
surface 2b on the end part of the back panel 2 are in contact with the
electrode terminals 4 on the front panel 1 side with the back panel 2
bonded on the front panel 1.

[0073]Incidentally, the portion of each electrode terminal 4 exposed at
the groove part 3 is covered with each metal film wire 5. As a result,
the electrode terminal 4 is in contact with the metal film wire 5 with
reliability.

[0074]Further, also in FIG. 1, the portion of each electrode terminal 4
exposed at the groove part 3 is entirely covered with each metal film
wire 5.

[0075]In FIG. 1, in order to show that the portion of each electrode
terminal 4 exposed at the groove part 3 is covered with each metal film
wire 5, the metal film wire 5 is shown in a partially cut away view.

[0076]The back panel 2 is generally formed of glass. For this reason, the
metal film wires 5 are formed by coating with thick film printing or the
like, using, for example, a silver (Ag) paste, followed by sintering.

[0077]In this case, the processing tools such as needles and heads
necessary for performing thick film printing or the like are required to
be moved in proximity to the end face 2b of the back panel 2.

[0078]Herein, as shown in FIG. 3, when the end face 2b of the back panel 2
is vertical to the panel surface, and the width of the groove part 3 is
smaller than the width dimension of a tool 7, such as a width of the
groove part 3 of 0.30 mm, and a width dimension of the tool 7 of 0.36 mm,
thick film printing is difficult to properly perform.

[0079]In contrast, in Embodiment 1, in the divided portion of the back
panel 2, the groove part 3 having a V shape wider at the top on the
opposite side of the front panel 1 than at the bottom is formed.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the tool 7 necessary for thick film
printing or the like can be moved in proximity to the end face 2b of the
back panel 2. This enables the metal film wires 5 to be formed with ease
and precision.

[0080]Incidentally, in FIG. 2, "g1" denotes the width of the top of the
groove part 3; "g2", the width of the bottom; and "θ", the tilt
angle of the end part (end face) 2b of the back panel 2.

[0081]In accordance with this invention, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, an
image display element includes: the front panel 1; the back panel 2
opposite to the front panel 1; a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix
between both the panels (i.e., the front panel 1 and the back panel 2),
and to be selected to be in a display or non-display state; and a
plurality of electrodes for controlling the pixels. Both the panels are
bonded together with the pixels and the electrodes interposed
therebetween. In such an image display element, the back panel 2 is
divided in such a manner as to form a groove part having a shape wider at
the top on the opposite side of the front panel 1 than at the bottom
between adjacent plural pixel lines. Thus, the metal film wires 5 for
connecting the electrodes to a driving circuit are formed along the end
face (tilt surface 2b) situated at the groove part 3. This enables the
electrodes to be led out from the narrow region of the panel. When a
plurality of the image display elements are displayed in a matrix, the
width of the joint part can be narrowed. As a result, it is possible to
implement a high-resolution image display device with unnoticeable joint
parts. In addition, further, it is possible to implement a
high-reliability image display device capable of improving the
reliability of the metal film wires themselves, and inhibiting the
occurrence of migration between the adjacent metal film wires or between
electrode terminals, and the like.

[0082]Up to this point, the basic configuration and the effects of the
image display element in accordance with the invention were described.
However, below, a description will be given to a characteristic specific
example of the image display element in accordance with Embodiment 1.

[0083]FIG. 5 is a conceptual view for illustrating the characteristic
structure of the image display element in accordance with Embodiment 1,
and shows a case where the electrode terminals 4 and the metal film wires
5 are connected by coating with a conductive paste (e.g., Ag paste) 10 to
be connected.

[0084]In the example shown in FIG. 1, the metal film wires 5 for
connecting the electrode terminals 4 to an external driving circuit via
the connector 6 are formed to also cover the region of "the end 2b of the
back panel 2" which is the tilt surface forming the V-shaped groove part
(i.e., the groove part having a shape wider at the top on the opposite
side of the front panel 1 than at the bottom) 3 so as to be in direct
contact with the end parts of the electrode terminals 4.

[0085]Incidentally, the metal film wires 5 are, as described above, formed
by coating, for example, a Ag paste in a thick film, followed by
sintering, and are arranged in correspondence with respective electrodes.

[0086]In contrast, in FIG. 5, connection between the electrode terminals 4
situated at the bottom of the V-shaped groove part 3 and the metal film
wires 5 formed on the back surface 2a of the back panel 2 is established
by coating of a conductive paste (e.g., Ag paste) 10 therebetween.

[0087]Incidentally, the conductive paste 10 is coated on the top of each
electrode terminal 4. However, in order to show this state, in FIG. 5,
the conductive paste 10 is shown in a partially cutaway view.

[0088]In FIGS. 8, 9, 11, and 12 described later, the conductive paste 10
is shown in a partially cutaway view for the same reason.

[0089]Further, FIG. 5 is drawn as if the end part of each metal film wire
5 was in contact with the end part of each conductive paste 10 to
establish connection therebetween. However, in actuality, the conductive
paste 10 is coated even to the top of the end part of each metal film
wire 5. This also applies to FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 described later.

[0090]Wiring by the conductive paste 10 facilitates processing, and
control of the thickness of the conductive paste 10 is also easy.

[0091]This improves the performances (e.g., uniformity of the contact
resistance) of the connection part between the electrode terminal 4 and
the metal film wire 5, and the reliability of connection.

[0092]Further, the conductive paste 10 which is a wire is brought in close
contact with the back surface 2a and the end part (tilt surface) of the
back panel 2 which is a cover glass. This improves the resistance to
shock, and the strength against expansion/shrinkage.

[0093]As described above, the image display element according to this
embodiment includes: the front panel 1; the back panel 2 opposite to the
front panel 1; a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix between the
front panel 1 and the back panel 2, and to be selected to be in a display
or non-display state; and a plurality of electrodes for controlling the
pixels. The front panel 1 and the back panel 2 are bonded together with
the pixels and the electrodes interposed therebetween, and the electrodes
are connected to a driving circuit via the metal film wires 5.

[0094]In such an image display element, the back panel 2 is divided such
that the electrode terminals 4 connected to the electrodes are exposed
between adjacent plural pixel lines, and the groove part 3 having a shape
wider at the top on the back side of the opposing surface from the front
panel 1 than at the bottom is formed at the divided portion. The metal
film wires 5 are formed on the surface of the top of the back panel 2
(i.e., the back side surface 2a of the opposing surface from the front
panel 1). The electrode terminals 4 and the metal film wires 5 are
connected by the conductive paste 10 coated along the tilt surface
forming the groove part 3.

[0095]This enables the electrodes to be led out from the narrow region of
the panel. As a result, a high-resolution image display device with
unnoticeable joint parts of the panel can be implemented with ease. In
addition, further, the performances, reliability, and strength of the
connection part between the electrode terminals and the metal film wires
are improved.

[0096]Incidentally, the foregoing description is intended for the back
panel 2 divided into two parts at the central part. However, the number
of divisions and the position for division are not limited thereto. The
back panel 2 may be divided into three or more parts, and the position
for division may also be another position so long as it is between
adjacent pixels.

[0097]For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the back panel 2 is divided into
four parts by the cross-shaped groove part 3, which is also applicable to
the center lead-out system in which electrodes are led out from the
center of the image display element.

[0098]Further, the back panel 2 is also applicable to the case where the
electrode terminals 4 are led out from the outer peripheral end part of
the front panel, or the structure of the end part lead-out system in
which electrodes are led out from both the horizontal and vertical end
parts of the image display element as shown in FIG. 7.

[0099]This also applies to the image display elements of respective
embodiments described later.

Embodiment 2

[0100]FIG. 8 is a conceptual view for illustrating the characteristic
structure of an image display element in accordance with Embodiment 2.

[0101]This embodiment is characterized in that the surface of the end part
(tilt surface) 2b of the back panel 2 has been further roughened (made
coarse) in the configuration of FIG. 5 described above as shown in FIG.
8.

[0102]Incidentally, it is essential only that the surface of the end part
2b has been roughened. Further, the method for roughening the surface has
no particular restriction. However, examples of the method include
surface cutting and sand blast. Further, the roughness of the surface is,
for example, about #2000 to #100 specified in terms of the grain size of
grinding stone.

[0103]This improves the adhesion of the conductive paste 10 which is a
wire with the end part (tilt surface) 2b of the back panel 2.

[0104]Further, roughening of the surface of the end part (tilt surface) 2b
of the back panel 2 results in an increase in creepage distance between
wires (i.e., the conductive pastes 10) at the end part (tilt surface) 2b
of the back panel 2. This inhibits the occurrence of migration, which
reduces short-circuit failures due to occurrence of migration. As a
result, the reliability is improved.

Embodiment 3

[0105]FIG. 9 is a conceptual view for illustrating the characteristic
structure of an image display element in accordance with Embodiment 3.

[0106]This embodiment is, as shown in FIG. 9, characterized in that a
resin material is coated by means of a dispenser between the adjacent
conductive pastes 10 to provide partitions 11 in the configuration of
FIG. 5 in Embodiment 1.

[0107]This results in an increase in creepage distance between the
conductive pastes 10 which are wires, which reduces short-circuit
failures due to occurrence of migration or the like. As a result, the
reliability is improved.

[0108]Incidentally, by also coating a resin material between the adjacent
electrode terminals, and providing partitions, the occurrence of
migration is further reduced.

Embodiment 4

[0109]FIG. 10 is a conceptual view for illustrating the characteristic
structure of an image display element in accordance with Embodiment 4.

[0110]This embodiment is characterized in that each conductive paste 10
includes a plurality of conductive paste lines (e.g., three conductive
paste lines of conductive pastes 10a, 10b, and 10c) in the configuration
of FIG. 5 described above as shown in FIG. 10.

[0111]By forming each conductive paste 10 of a plurality of conductive
paste lines, the coating width or thickness of the conductive paste can
be increased.

[0112]Incidentally, in the drawing, the three conductive paste lines 10a,
10b, and 10c are formed apart from one another. However, these may be
formed in close contact to one another.

[0113]This can reduce the electric resistance of the conductive paste 10,
and can improve the reliability of the connection part between the
electrode terminal and the metal film wire.

Embodiment 5

[0114]FIG. 11 is a conceptual view for illustrating the characteristic
structure of an image display element in accordance with Embodiment 5.

[0115]In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the conductive pastes 10
for connecting the electrode terminals 4 and the metal film wires 5 are
alternately formed at the two end parts (tilt surfaces) 2b and 2b'
forming the groove part 3.

[0116]The electrode terminals 4 are alternately arranged in correspondence
with the end parts (tilt surfaces) 2b and 2b' at the bottom of the groove
part 3.

[0117]Namely, at the end part (tilt surface) 2b of the back panel 2, the
spacing between the adjacent pastes 10 is about twice larger than that in
the case of FIG. 5.

[0118]Therefore, the spacing between the adjacent conductive pastes 10
increases. Thus, the width of the conductive paste 10 can be increased to
reduce the electric resistance of the conductive paste 10 which is a
wiring part.

[0119]Further, the creepage distance between the adjacent conductive
pastes 10 increases, which inhibits the occurrence of migration. As a
result, the insulation reliability between wires is improved.

Embodiment 6

[0120]FIG. 12 is a conceptual view for illustrating the characteristic
structure of an image display element in accordance with Embodiment 6.

[0121]In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, in a region in which the
conductive pastes 10, the electrode terminals 4 and the metal film wires
5 connected to the conductive pastes 10 are formed, a protective coating
for protecting them is applied thereto. In the drawing, a reference
numeral 12 denotes a protective coating.

[0122]This inhibits the deposition of dust and the like, and the
occurrence of migration. As a result, the reliability of connection is
improved.

Embodiment 7

[0123]In Embodiment 6 described above, in a region in which the conductive
pastes 10, the electrode terminals 4 and the metal film wires 5 connected
to the conductive pastes 10 are formed, a protective coating for
protecting them is applied thereto. However, by using a curable adhesive
as the protective coating, the groove part 3 may be filled with the
curable adhesive.

[0124]This inhibits the deposition of dust and the like, and the
occurrence of migration, and releases the concentration of a stress to
the portion of the groove part 3. As a result, the strength of the panel
can be enhanced.

Embodiment 8

[0125]In order to illustrate the relationship between the electrode
terminals 4 and the pixels of the image display element 1 of a large size
display in the invention, a description will be given to a case using an
EL display panel as one example of the image display element as below.
This case is an example in which the image display element of FIG. 1 is
formed of an EL display panel.

[0126]Incidentally, the image display element of the invention is not
limited thereto, and is also applicable to a liquid crystal panel, a PDP,
and the like.

[0127]On the front panel 1, a plurality of organic EL elements which are
pixels p are arranged to control light emission/non-light emission of the
pixels (each pixel p of FIG. 6 is one organic EL element). A general
organic EL element includes a transparent electrode such as ITO, an
organic layer including a hole transport material layer, a light emission
layer, an electron transport layer, and the like, and a reflection
electrode (e.g., Al), successively formed therein. Thus, light transmits
through the transparent electrode from the light emission layer, and is
emitted from the front panel 1 side.

[0128]The electrode terminal 4 and the transparent electrode and the
reflection electrode are electrically connected, and the electrode
terminal 4 is led out to the groove part 3.

[0129]Via the metal film wire 5, (the transparent electrode and the
reflection electrode) are electrically connected with the connector 6.
Thus, a control signal indicative of light emission/non-light emission of
the organic EL element is sent from an external driving control circuit.

[0130]The electrode terminal may be formed of the same ITO as that of the
transparent electrode. In order to reduce the resistance, the electrode
terminal may be formed of a low resistance metal such as Al, Cr, or Ag.
Alternatively, it may be formed of a lamination thereof.

[0131]The back panel 2 may be formed of glass as with the front panel 1.
In the side of the back panel 2 opposite to the organic EL elements, a
concave part is formed with etching, sand blast, or the like. The panels
1 and 2 are bonded together so that the concave part-formed side of the
back panel 2 and the organic EL elements-formed side of the front panel 1
oppose each other. Both the substrates are sealed and joined by an
UV-curable adhesive or the like. In the sealed space by the concave part,
a desiccating agent is set for protection from the deteriorating factors
of the organic EL elements such as moisture.

[0132]The present invention is useful for implementing an image display
element capable of undergoing electrode lead-out processing with ease,
and capable of preventing the occurrence of migration at the electrode
lead-out part.

[0133]Various modifications and alterations of this invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and
spirit of this invention, and it should be understood that this is not
limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.